Moose

Moose seasons

Moose tags are valid only for the Wildlife Management Unit, moose type(s) and season(s) indicated on the tag. For example, a bull tag or a cow/calf tag valid for the bows only season (i.e. a “bow tag”) is valid only during the bows only season. Calf tags are valid for the full length of the moose hunting season(s) in the Wildlife Management Unit they are issued for (e.g. in both the bows only and “gun” seasons).

Rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading guns and bows
(the "gun" seasons when "gun tags" are valid)

Wildlife Management Unit	Resident – open season	Non-Resident – open season
1A, 1C, 1D, 16–17, 25	September 18 to December 15	September 20 to November 15
2–4, 18A, 18B	October 9 to December 15	October 11 to November 15
5, 6, 7B, 8, 9A, 9B, 11–15, 19, 21A, 21B	October 16 to December 15	October 18 to November 15
22, 23, 28–42	October 16 to November 15	October 18 to November 15
24, 27	October 9 to November 15	October 11 to November 15
26	September 18 to October 31	September 20 to October 31
46–50, 53–63	October 18 to October 24	None

Bows and muzzle-loading guns only
(seasons when bows and muzzle-loading guns only tags are valid)

Wildlife Management Unit	Resident – open season	Non-Resident – open season
7A	October 16 to December 15	October 18 to November 15
18B	September 18 to October 8	September 18 to October 8

Bows only
(season when "bow tags" are valid)

Wildlife Management Unit	Resident – open season	Non-Resident – open season
2–4, 18A, 24, 27	September 18 to October 8	September 18 to October 8
5, 6, 7B, 8, 9A, 9B, 11-15, 19, 21–23, 28–33, 35–42	September 25 to October 15	September 25 to October 15
46–50, 53-63	October 2 to October 8	None

Resident seasons with controlled hunter numbers

Wildlife Management Unit	Resident – open season	Firearm type	Restrictions
11B	September 25 to October 15	Rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading guns	For hunters with a lower limb disability (see notes below).
65	October 5 to October 7	Bows only	For hunters with a lower limb disability (see notes below). See notes on WMU 65 below.
65	October 8 to October 14	Bows only	See notes on WMU 65 below.

Moose hunting in WMU 65

In WMU 65 there are no dogs allowed. Any hunter wishing to hunt moose in WMU 65 is required to obtain written landowner permission. Hunters must have a tag specifically validated for WMU 65 or have a partner permit that is associated with the hunter who has a tag validated for WMU 65. Contact Kemptville District office at 613-258-8204 for additional details.

Opportunities for moose hunters with lower limb disabilities

Hunters with disabilities may apply for a moose tag in any WMU, however there are two WMUs (11B and 65) that offer seasons specifically for resident moose hunters with lower limb disabilities. Hunters who qualify for these seasons are people who:

• are paraplegic or hemiplegic
• have a single, above the knee, lower limb amputation, or a double, below the waist amputation
• have a severe disability and cannot hunt without the use of a wheelchair (or similar means of locomotion). These cases require a medical certificate

Qualified hunters wishing to take part should apply for a tag in the points-based allocation process. Such applications will be considered like any other; there are no separate quotas.

For more information regarding WMU 11B, please contact Thunder Bay District office at 807-475-1471. For more information regarding WMU 65, please contact the Kemptville District office at 613-258-8204.

Moose hunting requirements

Anyone wishing to hunt moose in Ontario must have the following:

• Outdoors Card
• moose licence listed on your licence summary
• moose tag (valid for the appropriate season/firearm, area, and type of moose), or be party hunting with a person who has a valid moose tag
• proof of firearms accreditation if you are hunting with a gun

New for 2021

A moose licence will no longer include a calf tag. WMU-specific calf tags can be applied for through the allocation process described under Points-based moose tag allocation process and at Ontario.ca/moosetagprocess.

Tag types are:

• bull tags valid only for harvest of a bull moose and specific to a WMU and season (e.g. bows only season)
• cow/calf tags valid for either a cow or a calf moose and specific to a WMU and season (e.g. gun season)
• calf tags valid only for the harvest of a calf moose and specific to a WMU and all seasons (e.g. both the bows only and gun seasons). There are no longer any seasons for adult moose only (i.e. no shortened calf seasons).

Tourist outfitters will no longer provide clients with moose validation certificates. See Hunting with a tourist outfitter.

The gun hunting season for moose in Southern Ontario (WMUs 46-50, 53-63) has been shifted earlier, starting the third Monday in October, as it did before 2017.

Moose hunting regulations

Tagging and transporting

See the tags section for details on tagging and transporting. Additional information on shipping and exporting can be found in the general regulations section.

Mandatory hunting reporting

There is a mandatory hunter reporting requirement for all moose licence holders. See the mandatory hunter reporting section for details on timelines and how to submit your report.

Firearms

Big game, including moose, may only be hunted with a firearm (includes bows). When hunting moose, you may only use or carry a firearm of the type (rifle, shotgun, bow or muzzle-loading gun) permitted for hunting moose at that time in that WMU. Specifications on the firearms, bolts and arrows that are permitted when hunting moose are found in general regulations section.

Party hunting for moose

Party hunting is permitted during the open season for moose under a set of specific conditions. The list of conditions is listed in the general regulations section. Party hunting conditions remain unchanged for 2021.

New Points-based moose tag allocation process

Background

In 2019 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry worked with Ontario’s Big Game Management Advisory Committee (BGMAC) to conduct a Moose Management Review to hear from moose hunters across Ontario. In response to feedback received and BGMAC’s recommendations, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry made improvements to moose management to benefit moose populations and provide a fairer system for allocating moose tags to resident hunters.

Overview

• Moose tags will be distributed to Ontario residents using a points-based process.
• Most tags will be awarded to applicants with the most points. You will have the option to use your points for your desired tag or build your points for the future.
• The number of points you start with in 2021 will be based on your draw history from 1993 through 2020. Learn more about your draw history and points.
• Hunters will apply as individuals. There are no group applications or pools.
• The process includes two stages with different application periods:
  • the primary allocation stage
  • the second chance allocation stage
• Hunters awarded a tag in either stage will decide whether to claim it before the respective tag claim deadline.

Primary allocation stage

Review quotas and apply: April 1 to April 30

• April 1 – the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry publishes tag quotas for the primary allocation stage and the application period opens. Tag quotas and hunt codes are available at Ontario.ca/moosequotas or by calling 1-800-288-1155. Hunt codes are also available on Tag allocation process hunt codes.
• Hunter pays $15.00 application fee
• Hunter can make up to three choices for a tag type:
  • Wildlife Management Unit
  • moose type
  • season/ firearm type
  • See new for 2021 for information on tag types. You can apply for a point directly by selecting WMU “99Z” as your first choice rather than applying for a tag. You will be allowed to change your mind and apply for a tag in the second chance allocation stage. Complete your application by April 30 for the primary allocation stage. Hunters are encouraged to apply early in the application period and make sure to keep record of their application receipt or confirmation number for reference.
• You can apply online at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service, by calling the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155 or in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.
• See the How to apply to a big game draw section and service options for more information.

How it works

Each tag type is allocated separately in a series of up to three steps.

1. Each tag type will be allocated to the hunters with the most points who selected that tag type as their first choice.
   • For example, all first-choice applicants for a given tag type will be ordered by their points. Tags will be awarded in descending order from highest to lowest points.
2. If tags remain available, the applicants with the most points that selected that tag type as their second choice will be awarded tags.
3. If tags are still available, this process will be repeated for third-choice applicants.

A random draw will be used to break ties when there are more applicants with the same points than the number of tags that remain available.

The points required to be awarded each tag type and whether tags remain available beyond the first choice is not set in advance, but is determined solely by how many hunters choose each tag type relative to the quota and their points.

Check primary allocation results and claim tag: May 16 to June 7

• Allocation results for the primary allocation will be available May 16.
• Check if you were awarded a tag online at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service or by calling the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155.
• Claim your tag before the deadline on June 7 by buying your moose licence and purchasing your tag. See section on fees.
• Your points will reset to zero when you claim a tag awarded in the primary allocation stage.
• You can claim your tag by purchasing a moose licence and your tag online, by phone or at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.
• You must claim your tag by June 7 for it to be issued to you. Unclaimed tags will be made available for other hunters to apply for in the second chance allocation stage.
• There is no penalty for not claiming a tag.
• Hunters who choose not to claim a tag or who are unsuccessful in the primary allocation stage can apply to the second chance allocation stage without paying a second application fee.

Second chance allocation stage

Apply: June 15 to July 7

• On June 15 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry publishes the remaining number of tags available for the second chance allocation stage and the second chance application period opens.
• Numbers of tags remaining available can be accessed at ontario.ca/moosequotas or by calling 1-800-288-1155. Hunt codes for remaining tag types will remain unchanged between stages.
• Tags available will include those that weren’t applied for or went unclaimed in the primary allocation stage.
• Hunters can submit a new application to the second chance allocation stage unless they already claimed a tag in the primary allocation stage. Your previous choices will not automatically carry forward to the second chance allocation.
• Hunters can again make up to three choices for a tag type.
• Hunters can select WMU “99Z” as their first choice if they do not wish to be awarded a tag based on points. They can also enter a second or third choice for a tag awarded by random draw.

How it works

• Like the primary allocation stage, tags will be awarded to the first-choice applicants with the most points.
• If tags remain available, a random draw will be used to allocate tags among hunters who applied for that tag type as their second choice.
• If tags are still available, a random draw will be used to allocate tags among hunters who applied for that tag type as their third choice.

Check second chance allocation results and claim tag: August 1 to end of season

• Allocation results for the second chance allocation will be available August 1.
• You can choose to claim your tag after August 1 and before the end of the relevant season by buying your moose licence and paying for your tag.
• You can claim your tag by purchasing a moose licence and your tag online or at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.
• Your points reset to zero if you claim a tag you were awarded from your first choice in the second chance allocation stage. If you applied to WMU “99Z” or you chose to claim a tag from your second or third choice you will retain your points and gain a point.

Draw history and points

Your points in 2021

Initially, points will be calculated based on a hunter’s draw history from 1993 through 2020.

Hunters will start with one point for each year they applied for the moose draw since last receiving an adult tag, or since they began applying if they have never received an adult tag. This is the case whether the adult tag was received directly through the draw or by tag transfer. Having made a tag transfer or having received a calf tag or a surplus tag will not have reset your points.

You will have gained a point in any year you applied to WMU “99Z” because you did not want a tag and wanted to be in pool 1 the following year.

Consecutive applications are not required. This means that if the last time you were issued an adult tag through the draw or a tag transfer was in 2010, and you have applied 6 times since then you will have 6 points in 2021 regardless of whether you may have transferred an adult tag or been issued a calf tag or surplus tag since 2010.

Your points are available through your online account at Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service or by calling the automated phone line at 1-800-288-1155. Please note ServiceOntario and licence issuers are not able to access your points for you.

Your points beyond 2021

Under the points-based allocation process, a hunter will accumulate a single point in any year they apply to one or both allocation stages, if they don’t claim a tag awarded based on points.

If you claim a tag awarded based on points from the primary allocation or the first choice of the second chance allocation, your points will reset to zero (early next year).

You will retain your points and will gain a point (early next year) if you claim a tag awarded to you on either your second or third tag choices in the second chance allocation.

You can accumulate a single point per year without being considered for a tag by selecting WMU “99Z” with your first choice in either the primary or second chance allocation.

Obtaining a moose tag from a tourist outfitter will not affect your points. You cannot hold more than one moose tag per year.

Northern Ontario preference point

Northern Ontario resident hunters will continue to receive a small preference by receiving one additional point (non-accumulating) in choices they enter for a northern WMU (WMUs 1-42). This small preference replaces the northern resident draw.

Important dates for moose hunters

Dates subject to change beyond 2021.

• April 1 to April 30: apply to the primary allocation stage
• May 16 to June 7: claim tags awarded in the primary allocation stage
• June 15 to July 7: apply to the second chance allocation stage
• August 1 to end of season: claim tags awarded in the second chance allocation stage
• August 17: tags available to print until the end of season

Service options for moose hunters

Primary allocation stage service options

Service	Online	Automated phone line: 1-800-288-1155	Participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer
Learn tag quotas	ontario.ca/moosequotas	Yes	No
Apply for a moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	Yes	Yes
Check results	ontario.ca/huntandfish	Yes	No
Claim your moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	Yes	Yes
Print your moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	No	Yes

Second chance allocation stage

Service	Online	Automated phone line: 1-800-288-1155	Participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer
Learn tags remaining	ontario.ca/moosequotas	Yes	No
Apply for a moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	Yes	Yes
Check results	ontario.ca/huntandfish	Yes	No
Claim your moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	No	Yes
Print your moose tag	ontario.ca/huntandfish	No	Yes

For step-by-step instructions

1. Visit Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
2. Go to Helpful links
3. Go to Tips to get started
4. Choose:
   • how to set up your online account
   • how to view your draw entry and results (includes draw history)
   • how to view your moose points
   • how to apply to the moose tag allocation process
   • how to claim your moose tag

Learn more about what to consider when you apply and at ontario.ca/moosequotas.

For inquires contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre by email NRISC@ontario.ca or phone 1-800-387-7011 or 1-800-667-1940.

New Tag transfers

Moose tag transfers are no longer permitted. In exceptional circumstances such as injury, illness or death of the tag holder or an immediate family member; or redeployment by the Canadian Armed Forces, a tag transfer may be considered with written request and documentation. If necessary, please contact the Natural Resource Information and Support Centre at NRISC@ontario.ca.

New Changes to moose hunting fees

The new approach to moose fees is fairer by allowing hunters to purchase only the products they need. Hunters will pay an application fee to apply to the allocation process, instead of having to purchase a licence to apply. This approach shifts costs from unsuccessful applicants to those that claim a tag. Hunters may choose to share tag fees amongst party members. Hunters are expected to pay about the same cost per year as they formerly did for a moose licence ($50.29) when averaged over time. See the new application fee, licence fee and tag fees. Learn more about the benefits of fee changes at ontario.ca/moosereview.

Additional moose hunting regulations for non-residents

Starting in 2021, non-resident landowners and immediate relatives of Ontario residents are only able to acquire their own tag to hunt moose by purchasing a hunt from a tourist outfitter.

A non-resident who is an immediate relative of an Ontario resident who holds a valid moose tag may purchase a non-resident moose hunting licence to party hunt with their relative during an open non-resident season. Immediate relative means grandparent, parent, spouse, child, sibling or grandchild (including equivalent step-family relationships). An attestation statement verifying the immediate relative relationship must be completed by the non-resident online or in-person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario location at the time the non-resident moose licence for an immediate relative is purchased.

Non-residents are required to have hunter accreditation that is recognized by Ontario – refer to the Hunting licence information section for more details.

Non-residents must employ one licensed guide for each two hunters when hunting moose in the Territorial District of Rainy River. WMUs with moose hunting seasons in the Territorial District of Rainy River are: 9B, 11A and parts of 7B and 12B (see WMU 3 map).

Hunting with a tourist outfitter

Residents and non-residents can acquire a hunt that includes a tag from a tourist outfitter. A hunter can only acquire a tag through an outfitter if they haven’t already been issued a tag for that year. You must have a valid Outdoors Card before a tourist outfitter can request the moose tag on your behalf. Outfitters will provide further instruction to prospective clients on the steps that must be taken to purchase a moose licence and separate tag from the MNRF before arriving at the outfitter. The outfitter can only provide the tag once the client has paid for the tag. The moose tag fees apply to both residents and non-residents.

Any hunter who receives a tag from an outfitter or is hunting in a party with another hunter who receives a tag from an outfitter must be a registered guest of the outfitter and carry documentation provided by the outfitter to verify this (in addition to their Outdoors Card, moose licence and tag if applicable).

How can you tell the difference between a calf and a cow moose?

Tag allocation process hunt codes

Notes

• ¹For these WMUs, “bow tags” are for the bows and muzzle-loading guns only season.
• “N/A” indicates the WMU does not have the applicable season.
• “None” indicates the tag quota is zero.

Last year's bull gun tag applicants

Last year's cow gun tag applicants

Last year's bull bow tag applicants

Notes:

• ²For these WMUs, tags are for the bows and muzzle-loading guns only season.

Last year's cow bow tag applicants

Notes:

• ²For these WMUs, tags are for the bows and muzzle-loading guns only season.

Last year's calf tag applicants

WMU	Quota	Applied choice 1	Applied choice 2	Total applied per tag
37	27	58	105	6
40	43	158	325	11
41	73	325	570	12
42	67	367	531	13
47	53	414	644	20
48	23	216	398	27
55A	7	94	232	47
55B	3	31	94	42
57	23	171	307	21
Total	319	1,834	3,206	16

Note: WMUs not listed did not have a quota of that type last year. Quotas include the Northern Resident Draw. Applicant numbers include Pools 1 and 2. The Northern Resident Draw and Pools are not parts of the new tag allocation process.

Tags in far Northern Ontario (e.g. WMUs 1A, 1C, 1D, 2, 16A, 16C, 17, 18B and 25) may be in relatively low demand and awarded to hunters with few points, but moose in all or large parts of these WMUs cannot be accessed by road. Any road-accessible areas of such WMUs may have higher than expected hunter numbers and lower hunter success rates. Please consider these aspects when planning a moose hunt in such WMUs.

What to consider when you apply

• Tag types with high total applicants per tag last year are likely to also be in high demand in the primary allocation stage of the new process in 2021.
• High demand tag types are likely to only be awarded to first-choice applicants with relatively many points.
• You are more likely to be awarded "low demand" tag types with a low total applicants per tag last year with your first choice if you have relatively few or zero points.
• In some WMUs calf tags may also be low demand.
• Low demand tag types are also the tag types most likely to be available to be awarded to second and third choices.
• Your second and third choices are unlikely to result in you being awarded a high demand tag type, regardless of how many points you have. For second (and third) choices to be considered all of the first (and second) choice applicants for that tag type need to have been awarded tags.
• Low demand tag types are also those most likely to be available in the second chance allocation, although some high demand tag types that were awarded but were not claimed may be available.
• Your second (and third) choices in the second chance allocation are best made for low demand tag types that may remain available after all first (and second) choice applicants are awarded tags.
• You should only enter a choice for a tag in the primary allocation stage and the first choice of the second chance allocation stage that you are willing to claim and forfeit your points for.
• Parties that would like to hold at least one tag so that they can go moose hunting may choose to have one or more members with fewer points apply for a low demand tag type as their first choice in the primary allocation stage.
• If you are awarded a tag in an earlier choice, such as your first choice, then your second and third choices are not considered in that allocation stage.
• There is no benefit to applying for the exact same tag type more than once within a stage.
• Starting in 2022, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will publish the minimum points that a hunter needed to be awarded each tag type in the previous year. The required points will not be set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and may change between years based on tag quotas and the points of applicants. This won’t guarantee future success based on the same number of points, but it will help hunters predict when they are likely to have enough points for their preferred tag type and to apply strategically.
• Learn more about what to consider when you apply at Ontario.ca/moosetagprocess.